The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-06-18
HUNTING LEGACIES,

childless, and with no known relatives
save two gentlemen cousins.
Never were cousinly attachments
more beautifully illustrated, or cousinly
jealousy amiably exemplitied, than In
the daily walk and conversation OF
these two collateral kinsmen. They
bestowed so much affection on their
common relative that they had none TO
waste between themselves.
Both were several years younger
than the lady, with fair prospect, &C.
cording 10 the course of nature, of sur
viving her, and how to supplant each
other In her viii, which, at least, she
had begun 10 talk seriously of making,
was the problem which at present en-
gagged their attention.
On the morning in question, when
Cousin Roger called 10 wish Cousin
Abigail the usual "many happy re-
turns" he was not little chagrined
To find Cousin Dick there before him.
However he presented his annual gift,
and went through his annual speech
without missing a word; and seeing
Tabby, the cousinly cat. perched snugly
on his rivals knee, by way OF not be-
ing outdone in couslnly attention, he
took mp Pompey, the cousinly poodle,
though dogs were his abomination.
"Well, Cousin Abigail, hope your
health continues good" said Cousin
Roger, patting Pompey's head, and
CHANGING snspiciously at Cousin Dick,
whom he deyoutly wished ut Jericho.
mo, not SO good latterly as II has
been. The fact is, the old lady con-
tinued, III have been thinking seriously
OF sending for Mr.. Parker. with view
of settling my worldly affairs without
delay."
ooh. there is no need Of haste,
cousin" broke in Dick; "you NAV
have many years before you yeti"
mentally adding. "what has possessed
the old ninny to put 1t of so long!"
"Well. well, suppose there's no
hurry about it," said Cousin Abigail.
"And yet" Cousin Roger yentured
to hint, its always well TO be pre-
pared; none of us can tell the minute
nor the hour, you know"
aAnd after all, calling in lawyer
Is not so serious n matter as calling In
q Doctor said Cousin Dick, fastidi-
ously.
The conversation was interrupted
by the entrance OF young and beau
tiful girl, at whom Cousin Dick stared
with a surprised and troubled look.
.Pardon me, ma'am," said she. in q
voice remarkably sweet and gentle
"not knowing you were engaged,
came 10 see IL you wished me, as usual
to read to you to-day
"Presently, DEAR" Mrs. Marley an
swered, In tone that plainly hinteC
her visitors would not be pressed &c
stay II they offered TO go.
After an awkward pause the tw,
cousins took their departure together
.Who is that girlg" inquired Roger
as soon as they had reached the street
"You may well ask" said cousin
Dick; and, stopping, he Whispers
something in his companions ear, a
which the latter started suddenly,
.Good heaven! the resemblance
certainly striking. But what Is 10 b
done? DO you think the old--Cousi
Abigail. mean suspects anything.
.Not yet. / think; but no time is I
be lost. / have plan which II woul
be well for us TO talk over together.
The two hurried rapidly along.
Mrs. Marley had occasionally foun
time hang heavily on her hand, an
so had advertised for person TO Il
the post of companion" 10 an age
lady IL was thus that Hester Darlin
had become an inmate of the house.
At as early an hour as was seeml
on the morning following that c
which we have introduced them TO u
reader, Roger and Dick again pr
scented themselves before their cousi
We have thought ii our duty, cous
-" began Dick.
"Our bounded duty" put In Rogt
"As painful as 1t is imperative
Dick continued.
ITO put youon your guard, ma'am
Roger added.
against deceitful and designil
person." exclaimed Dick.
"Who is no better than she shou
be-" shouted Roger, Indignantly.
upon my word, cousins, do n
comprehend q syllable you have Z
tered" said Mrs. yarley; nor shall
he likely 10. II you both keep talkil
at once. Come, Dick, you seem :
least excited, what Is the meaning
all thisf"
~what means. may venture